Police Identify Truck Driver Killed in Fiery Route 17 Wreck

Hasbrouck Heights police have identified the truck driver killed Saturday in a fiery crash on Route 17 South as a 33-year-old man from New York.

A big rig driven by Jean G. Sanon, of Suffern, near Williams Avenue Saturday morning, police said. Firefighters found the truck’s cab engulfed in flames and a section of the building ablaze.

The cause of the single-vehicle wreck remained under investigation Wednesday, said Officer Scott Adamo. It was possible Sanon fell asleep, but an official determination had not been made, police said.

Sanon worked at the Carlstadt location for Land Air Express, a Vermont trucking company.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our employee and above all else our thoughts and condolences are with his family,” Matthew C. Smith, Land Air Express human resources director, said in a statement Monday. “We will be cooperating with the proper authorities and are doing everything we can to ensure that safety remains our top priority.”

Residents in the mostly residential area along Route 17 described hearing a loud blast and seeing a quick flash of fire. Flames damaged the office building, but officials said it was structurally stable.